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COVID-19 Update

ALVMA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

March 19, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Governor Ivey’s aggressive response to the Coronavirus announced today doesn’t specifically address veterinarians. We’ve reached out to the Governor’s office to petition that veterinary clinics be considered essential services and be allowed to remain open. Until we hear otherwise, you should consider yourselves on the front line of the effort to serve the public. As such, if you choose to remain open, you should make every effort to protect yourselves, your staff, and your clients, and take advantage of all of the good information available on the AVMA website pertaining to COVID-19.

Also, given that nobody knows the duration of these trying days, a conservative approach to supplies and the procedures that consume them would be wise, and any elective procedure might be postponed upon your best judgment.

We’re all in this thing together. Let us know if you need anything.

C. Alan Jones, DVM

ALVMA, President

SUGGESTIONS FOR COVID-19 PRACTICE PROTOCOLS

The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association cares about our members and how the COVID-19 is affecting veterinarians, technicians, and other practice staff across the state. We want to offer support and suggestions to help in dealing with the ever changing challenges that you are facing in your practice during this pandemic. We have developed a list of suggested new practice protocols to assist you and your staff during this difficult time.

Social Distancing AppointmentsChange to a "Call for appointment only" process and have pet owners call once they arrive. Check the patients in over the phone and have the owners wait in the car until called. Have the owner bring the patient to the door and pass the pet off to a staff member, then have the owner return to the car. Call the owner once the pet has been examined to discuss diagnosis. Allow the owner to come in if necessary to finalize the checkout process.Remind the owners, if they are feeling ill, or have family members ill at home, to please reschedule their appointment or have someone else bring their pet for the appointment.

Allow for Curbside PickupProvide curbside pickup for food and prescription refills ONLY: When calling in for prescription refills, have the owners pre-pay over the phone. They can call when they arrive and someone on your staff can deliver the medications and food to their car.

Limit Elective SurgeriesTo help reduce the burden on the human medical supply chain, limit surgeries such as elective spay and neuters, cosmetic surgeries and any surgery that wouldn't harm the animal to postpone.